Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantel Davis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chantel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am not a trained fashion designer, didn’t go to school for it, my major was in the liberal arts of International Studies, I wanted to change the world, still do but going about in an alternate way. I was at a point in my life in 2017, where I needed to figure out my “next step”. As women, the goal to be financially stable and be able to sustain a future is always number one. When I started the brand I had two failed startups and had just gotten out of a three years contract with my agency at Wilhelmina Miami. So I was even more anxious than ever at this stage in my life. I have always been creatively inclined, a natural talent in arts and drawing, so thats when I set out to sketch my designs. I decided on focusing on the one piece swimsuit for a few reasons, One that no one in my circle could ever accuse me of but in truth I am, and thats being insecure with my body, As a model, you are constantly under a microscope and each area of your body is picked apart as if its just an object without feeling. The other reason of creating the one piece focus brand is that in truth the woman’s body itself is a form of art, and draping the fabric of a full-body suit shows the full landscape of her curves and heightening the imagination of what’s underneath.
My degree in college didn’t get to me CASTAMIRA, yet it was that entrepreneur bug that bit me in early 2015. This company isn’t one without its challenges as I have in the short 2.5 years that I started wanted to give up so many times. My hope is build a successful business despite the learning curves and continue to give women a confidence within themselves that I have found in cultivating CASTAMIRA.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have had struggles… Many
Sourcing a pattern maker and after finding one the styles are almost completely the opposite of the designs. And then a leap of faith I founded a new, a life changer. Which would shortly unravel at the seam. Having to move mid-production to a different house, Only after thousands of dollars start all over, only for this factory to be closed “indefinitely” again after thousands of dollars, So yes, there have been many and there still is struggles I face during the business even today.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Castamira story. Tell us more about the business.
I am one-woman show for the most part. I am the Founder and the Creative director. I have hired people along the way as freelancers to help with branding, consulting and social media.
What I am most proud of is that while my story of struggle, challenges and setbacks aren’t unique in business, in pushing forward relentlessly the company can be amongst those who continued despite obstacles and have been successful. Being a minority, an immigrant and a woman from very humble beginnings, I do hope inspire those who think they don’t have a way out. That it can be done. I hope to say that one day. Never Give Up.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Evolving even more. As social media continues to be a trailblazer in how we are in relationships and business, the swimsuit industry will continue to be a hot commodity. There’s always a bathroom mirror, a Euro or Caribbean vacation, a beach that needs you and a swimsuit.
Pricing:
- The swimsuits prices ranges from $180 – $275
Contact Info:
- Website: www.castamira.com
- Email: hello@castamira.com
- Instagram: castamiraswim
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